Paul Beard wonders why the school system isn’t doing more about bullying
Paul Beard considers himself to be a survivor of bullying. Now, 30 years later, the former Woodlands Secondary student wonders what’s changed—and asks, “Why is this still happening?” He approached CHLY and asked to speak publicly.
We speak with Paul Beard, in a “People’s Corner” segment, about his recent editorial letter and his feelings about the issue.
The bully, the bullied, and the role of the community
Two recent deaths, by suicide, of bullied teens has again raised the issue of bullying in school settings. Ashkan Sultani, 15, of Lantzville, died January 12th. His parents have revealed he had moved schools but had not been able to escape bullying. In South Hadley, Massachusetts, 15-year-old Phoebe Prince died January 14th of an apparent suicide. She had been relentlessly bullied at school. (more…)
Victoria tragedy, inquest puts spotlight on response to domestic violence in British Columbia
The British Columbia government announced January 18th that it was taking immediate action to protect victims of domestic violence and ensure offender accountability. The new plans came following an inquest into the murder-suicide deaths of a Victoria family. But critics of the government’s plan say that not enough resources are available to implement changes. (more…)
Focus on community impacts as City of Nanaimo declares awareness week
The City of Nanaimo has proclaimed November 16 to 21, 2009 as “Nanaimo Sexual Abuse Awareness Week.” Sexual Abuse Resource Committee (SARC) spokesperson Jacqueline Gautier said, “The issue of child sexual abuse is a very serious one that tremendously impacts our community; it crosses all boundaries of race, creed, gender and socio-economics.” A community forum will be held Wednesday November 18, 2009 at Vancouver Island University’s Nanaimo campus. (more…)
The Reena Virk tragedy has become teaching for all of us
In the years since their daughter, Reena Virk, was murdered in Victoria B.C., Suman and Manjit Virk have made their work against bullying a top priority. In November 2009 British Columbia’s Solicitor General Kash Heed presented the Virks with the Anthony J. Hulme Award of Distinction, B.C.’s highest honour for community safety and crime prevention. (more…)
Haven Society responds to need
Half of all Canadian women have experienced at least one incident of physical or sexual violence since the age of 16 and every year in Canada, up to 360,000 children are exposed to domestic violence. 58,486 women and 36,840 children sought refuge in one of 473 shelters across Canada between April 1, 2003 and March 31, 2004.
Haven House, a transitional house in Nanaimo for women fleeing abuse, sees 400-500 women annually, with another 2,000 women and children in programs offered by the society. The organization has launched a capital building campaign to raise $1 million toward the construction of a new community services building. (more…)
